Alpha-snake

This is a new direction for me, scroll cutting. I have done some wood burning carving before. This puzzle seemed like such a great way to learn the alphabet. It is going to be a Christmas present soon, but I wanted to record its creation, the first alpha-snake. It might be a bit scary for a 3 year old, but he will soon get the idea.
The detail is done with with a burning tool and leaf-shaped tip used for shading. The tip had the perfect shape for the scales on the snake.  Hope he likes it. Photo to follow of befuddled little boy with a wooden snake puzzle.

turtle neck

Hi, I found this pattern on www.knittygritty.com thought it was cute. It's a turtle neck for a tissue box. I changed the pattern and made it fit a smaller tissue box.

Christmas felting projects

A dear friend generously gave me some felting wool so I have been busy working on some felting projects this week. Using some pearl embroidery floss, felted beads and a charm from the Bead store in Johnson VT, I made a couple necklaces for Christmas gifts. To make the holly Christmas tree ornament, I used a cookie cutter to form the leaves and the berries are more beads sewn on with floss. These are all needle felted, and yes, I did manage to poke myself real good! But only once!

South American Style Purse

This little purse was woven on a simple peg loom by a five year old and me. She will receive this for Christmas as a present for her doll. I think it will fit nicely as a shoulder bag on the doll. It certainly is colorful! I hope she likes it.

Succulent Greens in Winter

I thought I'd take a break from my usual "printing posts" and share a simple way to have fresh greens during the long cold days of winter. All you need is potting soil, a container, (I used a seedling tray) and some seeds. I used sunflower seeds, but you could also use pea seeds as well. To begin, put a shallow layer, approx. 2 inches deep of damp soil in the bottom of your container, then sprinkle your seeds on top of the soil rather thickly. Put in a window (and hope for some sun!) adding a cover to keep in moisture until the seeds germinate. The warmer your window spot is the faster the seeds will grow and make sure to keep the soil moist. In about a week or so, the "shoots" will be tall and have leaves. Cut and enjoy! When you have eaten all your "shoots" take the container to your compost pile or garden and dump out the soil. It'll be a "mat" of soil held together by the roots of your shoots and start the whole process over again!

Little woven heart ornaments

I've been enjoying making these little paper ornaments from cardstock with a variety of Christmas motifs. Each one is a unique combination of colors and designs. They are a cheery sight during these cloudy November days in Vermont and a nice reminder of the holidays ahead! I've just added them to my etsy shop today.

God's Eye Tree Ornaments

God's Eyes are perfect for tree ornaments. They are quick and easy to make. Using up my fabric scraps and twigs of gray birch and red osier dogwood is so satisfying. After bringing home an assortment of beads, I can make the eyes come alive. Check back for more pictures, this is just the beginning.

Sock Monkeys

These are the four sock monkeys I made. My sister is crocheting afghans for her grandchildren and wanted a sock monkey to match each one. My great nieces and nephews will find them under their Christmas tree this year.

Folkart Star Gift Cards

I thought I'd share a photo of the new set of cards I've recently added to my etsy site. They are approximately 3x3 inches and come in a set of 6 with matching envelopes. I'm also thinking of making some with a punched hole in the corner and tied with hemp twine to be used as a gift tag. These would come w/o envelopes and perhaps have 10 tags per set. I can just imagine one tied to a jar of homemade jam, etc...!

Bead Loom

Jessica and I made this bead loom today. Jessica made this collar
for our cat Morgan. Jessica also is proud of it.